Find Ways to Work With What You Have...

Even after all strategies are exhausted, safety net providers should recognize that few health IT implementation efforts achieve all objectives in the first round of implementation. It is important that health centers not be discouraged when “optimal” funding is not available and that they work hard to understand what can be achieved with the resources they have. Cost-saving options that may be considered include leasing rather than buying hardware and working with vendors to receive discounts in based on willingness to test new products. While safety net providers are encouraged to explore creative solutions for moving forward, each of these options has downsides. Thus, due diligence should be employed to ensure that the path taken will not end up costing more than it saves.